Bedroom Takeover (territorial bun)

[Limadean]

I currently share a bedroom with my freeroam 10 yr old neutered male lop bunny.  Recently, we switched bedrooms within the same house.  there is no history of other animals in the house, no new noises, and the only real difference between the rooms is that there is much more natural lighting, and that his litter box is a little further from his hidey-house than it used to be. Other-wise the layout is the same. ANYWAYS, there was never an issue in the old room, but a week or two after changing rooms, my bunny began to act strangely! He began constantly honking, constantly dropping territory poops, releasing scent from his glands, and occasionally thumping while staring at me. Usually he honks when he is excited to see me, but I’m getting the impression I’m somehow irritating him now just by existing.  I’m starting to get the impression that he thinks the room is entirely his!

He never bites or shows aggressive behaviour, and he continues to groom me and beg for pets. I have removed his access to my bed for now as he would get so worked up honking and getting in my face that he’d pee.  I guess I’m wondering, has anyone had to find a way to convince their bunny to share some space?  or maybe you have some other theories about what he is trying to tell me?

[jerseygirl]

So he didn’t initially do this when you moved into the room? It started a week or 2 later? Or was there was some marking right away and has just increased?

How is his vision? Have you noticed anything odd with him orientating himself in the new room?

The increased natural like is interesting. I definitely think this can have an impact on behaviour and hormones. If it is spring where you live, that could play into also.   I do think it is something that will settle down.  I’m not certain if this would help, but maybe leave some items of clothing you’ve worn around in the space?

I’m starting to get the impression that he thinks the room is entirely his!

🙊

[DanaNM]

I tend to agree it will prob settle down and he’s just being territorial because it’s a new space?

I too have an older bun that honks and leaves territorial poops all over! He runs around thumping too. He reminds me of an old man yelling “GIT OFF MY LAWN” from his porch.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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